What started in July as a pod of 38 quickly grew to 50 creatively decorated 6-foot tall dolphins. In just 3 weeks, a team of artists turned each of the 80-pound fiberglass dolphin-shaped figures (provided by Icon Poly Studio in Gibbon, Neb) into a uniquely fun art exhibit that colorfully enhances the already beautiful view at the entrance of Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.

A county-wide fertilizer ordinance recently went into effect to regulate the use of fertilizers in Pinellas County. What does this mean to you, as a Clearwater resident? It's not a fertilizer ban. You can still fertilize your lawn and gardens, but new regulations limit the types of fertilizers used during the summer, rainy months. Since Florida experiences such hot, long summers, this is when most residents water their lawns. It's important to know the new regulations, since they will help to reduce harmful nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorous) found in fertilizers and keep them from polluting our waterways.

Hands Across the Sand, a statewide, peaceful protest against offshore drilling, was held throughout Florida's beaches on February 13th. Despite the colder-than-average weather, large groups of citizens made their way out to the beaches to make their voices heard and to show their support for Florida's beautiful landscape, with the hope that it will stay beautiful.

‘Tis the season for family, friends and holiday gatherings. But ‘tis also the season to keep in mind various crime prevention tips that will help to keep you, your family and your belongings safe throughout the holidays and the New Year.

Miles for Hope, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Harvest have joined together for the first Miles for Hope Rummage Sale and Can Food Drive at 29245 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, located just south of Curlew Road. The event will raise awareness and funding for brain cancer

High speed rail (HSR) may be coming to the Tampa Bay region with the construction starting as early as two years. The Federal Stimulus Bill Feb '09- American Recovery & Reinvestment Act made $8 billion available to HSR with Florida's final application to be submitted no later than October 2, 2009.

In the near future, our congressional and legislative leaders will be making decisions which could determine the future quality of our water, beach, and marine life. Educating our communities will be a key factor in influencing our critical votes in Washington and Tallahassee.

Summer is upon us, temperatures are soaring and what better way to keep children entertained and cool than an afternoon by the swimming pool. A dark side of a summer in the sun is that a sparkling swimming pool can also be a serious summer hazard. Unfortunately, when the temperature goes up, so does the number of accidental drownings involving children. The backyard pool is a magnet for children of all ages.

I am often approached by citizens wishing to contribute their time and energy to the community. Allow me to suggest the Sheriff’s Citizens Patrol Volunteer Program as a wonderful way to help out.

As a member of the Citizens Patrol, you will have an opportunity to serve side by side with our deputy sheriffs and perform a variety of valuable services for our citizens and visitors to Pinellas County. Some of the responsibilities include seizing and recovering found property, assisting with disabled motor vehicles, directing traffic at crash scenes, issuing parking tickets, participating in community events, child fingerprinting and vacation house checks,to name a few.